‘Chewbacca’ misuses his force
HOLLYWOOD – The buzz on Hollywood Boulevard on Friday was over the head-butting Chewbacca who police say crossed over to the dark side in front of hundreds of tourists at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.
Los Angeles Police Department officers arrested “Star Wars” street performer Frederick Evan Young, 44, in his furry brown Wookiee costume Thursday on a charge of misdemeanor battery for allegedly attacking a tour guide who complained about the way he was treating two visitors from Japan.
The alleged assault – witnessed by Superman and other superhero impersonators – is the latest clash between visitors and performers dressed as movie and cartoon characters outside the landmark cinema. They collect tips from tourists who pose for pictures and watch them perform in front of the theater where generations of stars have placed their footprints in concrete.
Tourists have complained that some costumed characters have turned abusive when they refused to pay them to pose for pictures. Two years ago, actors dressed as superhero Mr. Incredible, Elmo the Muppet and Scream were arrested for aggressive begging. More recently, an actor portraying slasher movie favorite Freddie Krueger was taken into custody for allegedly stabbing another man, although no charges were filed.
Thursday’s incident comes as police and Hollywood officials are trying to rein in the colorful assortment of actors and wannabes who perform for crowds.
They admit the alleged head butt was a setback.
Authorities said the altercation began when a Star Line Tours guide allegedly observed the Chewbacca character harassing two young girls from a rival Japanese tour company.
When guide Brian Sapir asked the performer not to touch the visitors, Young allegedly became angry.
“You could see in his eyes he was exploding beneath the mask,” Sapir asserted Friday. “He yelled at me, ‘Nobody tells this Wookiee what to do!’ “
After a security guard suggested that the 6-foot-5 Young take a walk down Hollywood Boulevard to cool off, he became more agitated, said Sapir, 32. “He threw off his mask and walked toward me and slammed his head into my forehead.”
Other security guards held Young for police. He was later released on $20,000 bail and is expected in court later this month.
A police source said that a performer dressed as Superman witnessed the assault and was interviewed by police. Other street performers said that before police arrived Superman called producers from ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Show,” which is taped across the street, and a cameraman videotaped Young being led off by officers. Neither Young nor his attorney could be reached for comment.
Under city rules, street performers can’t state a price or demand money to take a photo with them, said police spokesman Lt. Paul Vernon. “They only can ask for a donation. They also cannot touch or follow the tourists if they walk away.”